Terrariums are more than just miniature gardens—they’re a beautiful way to bring a slice of nature into your home, even if you lack space for a full garden. These self-contained ecosystems create their own microclimate, allowing you to grow plants that thrive in humid environments or low-light conditions. Whether you’re a seasoned plant enthusiast or just starting your journey, terrariums offer a low-maintenance solution for greening up your space.
What makes terrariums special is how they support plants that require specific conditions. In a closed terrarium, plants thrive in high humidity with minimal watering, while open terrariums are better for plants that prefer dry or well-ventilated environments. Understanding the balance between moisture, light, and airflow is key to selecting the right plants and keeping them healthy. Let’s dive into some of the best plants for terrariums and how to care for them.
Best Plants for Terrariums
1. Pilea: Compact and Versatile
Pilea, often called the “friendship plant,” is a popular choice for terrariums, thanks to its small size and adaptability. These small plants thrive in both open and closed terrariums, preferring bright indirect light but tolerating low light as well. Pileas feature charming green leaves with a slightly metallic sheen, adding a modern touch to any glass container.
Pileas do best in terrariums with a bit of airflow but can tolerate a more humid environment. They require minimal watering—just enough to keep the moist soil damp but not soggy. These dwarf plants are relatively slow-growing, making them perfect for long-term terrarium setups without the need for frequent pruning.
2. Moss: The Foundation of a Lush Terrarium
Whether you’re building a moss terrarium or adding it as a ground cover, mosses like sheet moss and cushion moss thrive in closed terrariums where moisture levels remain consistently high. These low-maintenance plants absorb water from the air, making them perfect for creating a lush, green carpet across the terrarium floor.
Moss is ideal for pairing with small terrarium plants like prayer plants or ferns, as it helps retain moisture and keeps the environment stable. In addition, it adds a layer of beauty and tranquility to your terrarium, evoking the feeling of a miniature forest.
3. Arrowhead Vine (Syngonium)
The arrowhead vine is a striking plant with vibrant, arrow-shaped leaves that make it an eye-catching addition to any terrarium. These terrarium plants are known for their fast growth, making them perfect for larger containers or those looking to add a dramatic touch to their indoor garden. Arrowhead vines are well-suited for open terrariums, as they enjoy moderate humidity but also appreciate good airflow.
Syngoniums thrive in bright indirect light and need regular watering to keep the soil moist. However, make sure the terrarium has proper drainage or a moist environment where water doesn’t stagnate. As vines, they tend to grow quickly, so pruning may be necessary to keep them from taking over the terrarium.
Pair the arrowhead vine with a slower-growing plant like peperomia for contrast. The large, bold leaves of the vine next to the compact foliage of peperomia create a visually balanced display that’s sure to impress.
4. Peperomia
Peperomia is a favorite among terrarium enthusiasts due to its small size, low light requirements, and wide variety of species. This tropical plant thrives in the humid environment of closed terrariums but can also do well in open terrariums with proper care. Peperomia’s thick, waxy leaves help it retain water, making it a perfect fit for a humid environment with minimal watering needs.
In terms of care, peperomias require indirect light and thrive in temperatures similar to a household setting. They are slow-growing, so you won’t need to worry about pruning them too often. These plants look beautiful when paired with compact plants like fittonia, adding depth and variety to your terrarium.
5. Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura)
The prayer plant, with its bold, veined leaves, adds a dynamic visual appeal to any terrarium. Its unique habit of folding its leaves upwards in the evening makes it a captivating plant to watch. They do best in closed terrariums where humidity remains high, helping them maintain their vibrancy and avoid leaf curling.
They require regular watering to keep the soil moist, but make sure to avoid overwatering as they can be prone to root rot. In terms of light, they prefer bright indirect light and will thrive in a terrarium that receives enough natural light without direct exposure. Consider pairing them with baby tears for a cohesive, lush arrangement.
6. Creeping Fig (Ficus pumila)
The creeping fig is a small, climbing plant that works well in both open terrariums and closed terrariums, as it adapts to various levels of humidity. Its delicate, heart-shaped leaves grow quickly and can cover surfaces like rocks or driftwood, creating a whimsical look in a miniature garden.
It enjoys bright indirect light and regular misting to keep it hydrated. It pairs wonderfully with air plants or moss, as its trailing vines contrast beautifully with the compact forms of other plants.
7. Pothos (Epipremnum Aureum)
If you’re looking for a hardy, low-maintenance option, pothos is one of the best plants for terrariums. Known for its resilience, it thrives in a variety of conditions. It can be grown as a hanging or trailing plant in open terrariums, where it will cascade down beautifully.
Pothos is also an excellent plant for beginners, as it requires minimal watering and can tolerate occasional neglect. Pair it with spider plants or fittonia to create a layered look in your terrarium. Just remember to trim it regularly, as they can grow quickly and take over the space.
8. Fittonia (Nerve Plant)
The nerve plant is known for its striking leaf patterns, with vibrant veins of pink, white, or red that make it a standout in any terrarium. Fittonia thrives in high humidity, making it one of the best closed terrarium plants. It loves a humid environment, so regular misting is essential to keep the soil from drying out.
It’s compact size makes it a great choice for smaller terrariums, and it pairs beautifully with african violets or moss for a diverse, colorful display. Be sure to keep this plant out of direct sunlight, as its delicate leaves can scorch easily.
9. Strawberry Begonia (Saxifraga stolonifera)
The strawberry begonia is an excellent choice for terrariums due to its low-growing habit and lovely, round leaves. This plant thrives in closed terrariums where the humid conditions replicate its natural habitat. It produces charming white flowers on tall stems, adding a burst of color to the green foliage.
Strawberry begonias prefer bright light and frequent misting to keep the soil moist. Pair them with baby plants like polka dot plants or creeping fig to create a layered, dynamic terrarium that looks like a mini jungle.
10. African Violets
African violets do exceptionally well in terrariums due to their compact size and preference for constant moisture. These great terrarium plants grow in little light and high humidity, making them ideal for closed terrariums. They come in a variety of colors, from deep purples to bright pinks, adding a splash of color to your terrarium setup.
They prefer slightly moist soil, so avoid overwatering by using a spray bottle to gently mist the soil. They pair well with plants like moss and ferns, creating a charming, peaceful display in any terrarium.
Conclusion
From the slow-growing Pilea to the vibrant nerve plant, each plant offers its own unique beauty and benefits. Whether you opt for the moisture-loving prayer plant in a closed terrarium or the hardy pothos in an open terrarium, the key is balancing light, humidity, and water.
Maintaining your terrarium is simple once you find the right combination of plants. Keep an eye on watering, prune regularly to prevent overcrowding, and ensure your plants receive some light without overexposure to the sun. With a little care, your terrarium will become a lush, miniature paradise that brings the beauty of nature indoors.
